How to become biochemists and biophysicistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$127,410

25th–75th pct. $95,000–$163,460

Top pay (est.)

$261,400

Top 10% $201,110

Pay in 5 years

$147,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$170,200est.

$146,300–$197,500

Outlook score

68/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

66%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+12.3%

2,900 openings / yr

How to become biochemists and biophysicists

Typical education

Doctoral or professional degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Biochemists and Biophysicists

Key skills

Active Learning

5.2

Reading Comprehension

5.2

Writing

5.1

Critical Thinking

5.1

Science

5.1

Mathematics

4.8

Speaking

4.6

Instructing

4.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Biology

6.5

Mathematics

5.8

Chemistry

5.7

Physics

5.6

English Language

5.3

Computers and Electronics

5.1

Education and Training

4.8

Engineering and Technology

4.1

What the work involves

Analyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationThinking CreativelyIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionCategory Flexibility

Education of workers

Post-doctoral training

40%

Doctoral degree

25%

Bachelor's degree

25%

Professional degree

10%

Training before entry

3–6 months

25%

Up to 1 month

20%

None / short demo

15%

1–3 months

15%

1–2 years

10%

2–4 years

6–12 months

4–10 years

Related work experience

4–6 years

40%

2–4 years

25%

None

15%

1–2 years

10%

6–8 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as biochemists and biophysicists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Civil Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.	$100,840	56/100	68%
2	Industrial Engineers Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.	$102,440	63/100	62%
3	Mechanical Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.	$104,110	62/100	62%
4	Electrical Engineers Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.	$120,630	61/100	69%
5	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health.	$103,410	64/100	63%
6	Engineers, All Other All engineers not listed separately.	$122,930	57/100	35%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.